Zoom.it

I found this cool tool while I was just searching around the net. Zoom.it lets you take the url of a picture, map, painting, etc., and creates a high resolution file. Then you are able to explore the whole image. Your able to zoom in on parts of the image that may not have been clearly visable by just viewing the standard size. With trying to get more document analysis in the classroom and the recent move to the Common Core, what better way to help your students?

This allows you to zoom way in on specific things, move around, zoom back out and highlight specific items in the image. Try it from the front of the class or use it in groups as they complete their document analysis.


Zoom.it also creates a Zoom url that you can take and embed on your website. Here's a link to an image that I used. And for some of you, you may want to try the bookmarklet. Give it a try! Happy Zooming :-)

"In 1492, Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue."

Columbus Day is just around the corner. TeachingHistory.org has a great spotlight section on Columbus. You'll find resources for Elementary, Middle and High School students on the great Chris. Have your students take the quizzes on Columbus to see how much they really know. It can be pretty tricky.  Columbus day gives you a great opportunity to talk about myths and facts in history. You can even tie it in with European Exploration and the impact that it has had on the world. There are even video clips and documents from the Library of Congress. And if you don't use it in your lesson, take a second to explore it on your own. You might be surprised at what you find out. 

"In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.

October 12th they sighted land,
And set their feet upon new sand."